Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide for Reeves County, Trans-Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas

Lifestyle

Wednesday, March 18, 1998

Honor students named

Highest honor students at Barstow Elementary School were
noted for the fourth six weeks of school. Those listed on
the highest honors list included, Arturo Rubio, Zack Morton,
Danielle Abila, Abraham Hernandez and Jimi Shaw.

Think twice before changing formulas

Changing formulas is not necessarily the answer when dealing
with a sick or fussy infant.

"Parents many times make the mistake of changing formulas,
without consulting their pediatrician, when their infant
develops any number of problems," says Dr. Kathleen Motil at
the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor
College of Medicine in Houston. "Many parents will panic if
their infants become irritable, spit up a lot or have
diarrhea for an extended period of time."

The two most common formulas chosen by pediatricians are
either a cow milk-based formula and soy-based formula. Many
times parents think they are changing formulas, when all
they are doing is changing name brands.

"One reason to change from a cow-milk-based formula to a
soy-based formula is if an infant has had a bad bout of
infectious diarrhea that has damaged the intestinal tract,"
said Motil, a Baylor assistant professor of pediatrics.
"Another reason is if they have a cow milk protein allergy."

Infants who are allergic to cow milk-based formula may
suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory problems or
rashes. It is always best to check with the child's
pediatrician and let them choose an alternative formula.

Many parents also change formulas when their infant develops
colic.

"Colic is not a reaction to an infant formula, and there are
no special formulas that make colic better," said Motil.
"Parents will waste time and money blindly trying formulas
looking for a magic cure."

It is important for parents to seek out their pediatrician
before making any rash decisions regarding formula.

"If parents encounter any problems, they should call their
pediatrician for guidance and direction," said Motil. "A
pediatrician will recommend a formula that is safe and
healthy for their infant."